Stay reading the Word of GOD for it is a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT’s small voice where you know what you should do and you will always knows the next step (Philippians 2:13).
Now that next step may be wait till you know what you should do. (Isaiah 50:10-11). But know for sure GOD has a plan for you and you can trust HIM to show you what you should do and when.
hugs
Sharon
If you lost something you need, how hard would you look for it? Back in the day, one morning I could not find one of my hearing aids. Without my hearing devises I don’t hear a thing, therefore I cannot understand what is happening around me. So, I really need them. Needless to say, I searched franticly for my hearing aid.
“Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39).
The Greek word in John 5:30 rendered “search” signifies a strict, close, diligent, thorough search–such as men make when they are seeking gold. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the (HOLY) SPIRIT, we must deliberately seek out the spiritual essence of the Word. Holy Scripture requires searching–much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men (1 Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:14).
“My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure–then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of GOD” (Proverbs 2:1-5).
“To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of GOD our FATHER and our Savior JESUS CHRIST: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD our FATHER, and of JESUS our LORD, According as HIS divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM who has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by (using) these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:1-4).
Many year ago during a very low period in my life, I read, Psalm 73:25 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” When I read that I told GOD, “YOU know that is not true for me. But LORD, I want it to be.” Then came a day when I realized it was true. GOD had heard my cry and answered me.
Now my desire is to know GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST more. I find that when I spend time in HIS word, talk to HIM and simply do what I know HE wants me to do the LORD shows me more.
Hugs
Sharon
It is no secret that we are influenced by those we spend time with. So, who we spend time with can develop our character for good or for bad.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD, and of JESUS our LORD” 2 Peter 1:2).
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV).
This morning doing my homework for the class I am facilitating today took me once again to 1 Timothy 6:19 “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
What!
Being the context of 1 Timothy 6:19 is giving material things as the means to obtain something, we must look deeper for the meaning of the phrase describing what they will get. That phrase is ‘that they may lay hold on eternal life. Since know that there is only one way to secure eternal life we can be confident giving material things is NOT that way.
“For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS ONLY begotten SON (JESUS), that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “He that believeth on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him” (John 3:36).
So, what could possibly by implied by stating that one could lay hold on eternal life by giving good things?
The way JESUS defined eternal life in John 17:3 I believe gives us a clue to the answer. “And this is life eternal, that they might KNOW YOU the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom YOU have sent.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that as we see more and more about JESUS we are changed to be like HIM through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.
2 Peter 1:1-4 states that as we get to KNOW GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST more and more through HIS word and through seeing HIM act in our and other people’s lives we get more and more graces. Then when we use/ act on what we know about GOD, as we claim the promises in the Word of GOD we can begin to participate in the divine nature. Now that does NOT say we become gods but that many of the amazing qualities/ virtues we see in GOD (things like love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, long-suffering patience and self-control) begin to flow through us by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39).
Another quality of GOD is generosity (James 1:17) and that is the very thing giving gifts to the needy is. So when we delight to give good things to those in need, we are acting like our Heavenly FATHER and have taken a hold of eternal life (what it means to know GOD).
That truth makes me desire to spend time with and get know JESUS, who is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 12:1-2) better and better by reading HIS word. How about you?
Hugs
Sharon
Nobody on earth is perfect. But, like Paul we need to say, “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I MAKE EVERY EFFORT to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 3:12 CBS). “I can do all things through CHRIST which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
You (who believe in JESUS) are of GOD … and have overcome … because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
When you were saved, the SPIRIT of CHRIST (Philippians 1:19) (one of the HOLY SPIRIT’s names) came to live within you and sealed you as GOD’s possession (Ephesians 1:13). This means you are no longer your own, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). You now belong to the LORD and are to live in a manner that reflects CHRIST.
Have you ever considered how some of our attitudes and actions grieve the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 4:30) who is sealed in us until the day of Redemption? Our actions and thoughts can also hinder our prayers for GOD will not hear our prayers if we cling to sin (Psalm 66:18). By refusing the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT we give Satan room to work in and through us (Ephesians 4:27).
In Romans 12:1-2 we are urged by the mercies of GOD, to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, [acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual service of worship. And we are told not to be conformed to this [world’s ways and thoughts but be transformed by the renewing of our mind (in HIS Word), so that we may prove what the will of GOD is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
How do we do that? “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). The HOLY SPIRIT will enable you if you pray (ask) (Hebrews 4:16).
Fearing the LORD is more that just reverential AWE of our GOD. It is a healthy fear: fear HE won’t hear our prayers because we hold on to a sin and it is fear of the discipline HE promises to give all HIS children HE loves that need it (Hebrews 12:6-7, 11).
It’s obvious to us that lying, adultery, and stealing are wrong, and we are often quick to criticize them harshly. But too often we tolerate and excuse sinful attitudes and emotions in ourselves like assumptions, judgments, snide remarks, gossip, anger, bitterness, resentment, and an unforgiving spirit. Every area of our life is affected when we refuse to extend to others the understanding, long-suffering, forgiving grace GOD freely extends to us.
Take for instance snide remarks. They can really hurt a sensitive spirit. I once suffered greatly when people mocked and made fun of my mistakes because of my inability to hear. I pulled back and isolated myself until I learned to release my hurts to JESUS. Even today, there are times I have to turn to GOD to help me forgive and reach out.
Not knowing what might hurt another is one reason we are commanded to walk in/ follow the nudges and leading of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:1, 4-5, Galatians 5:16-18). If we are listening to the HOLY SPIRIT we cannot go wrong.
Only GOD knows what will hurt another and it is only through the HOLY SPIRIT that HIS fruit, the CHRIST-like nature flows through us to meet the needs of others (John 7:38-39). The HOLY SPIRIT enables us to see others through eyes GOD’s eyes of grace and mercy and to hear GOD’s instructions (Philippians 2:13) so that we can be the hands and feet of GOD.
The familiar command JESUS gave on the Sermon on the Mount—to treat others the same way we want them to treat us (Matthew 7:12) is still in effect. JESUS still says, “And why call ye ME, LORD, LORD, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). JESUS also says: “If you love ME, keep MY commandments (John 14:15).
As Paul said to Timothy, I say to myself and to you, “Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your PROFITING (growth) may appear to all (1 Timothy 4:15) and GOD be glorified.
Hugs
Sharon
This morning Jeri’s cat snuck out behind me when I went out back for a quiet time in the cool of early morning.
He was just rolling on the cement, like usual so I left him out and opened my bible. Later when I looked up from reading, he was nowhere in sight. I called his name and I hunted and hunted but no cat. Moley is like a child to my daughter Jeri so I cried out to the LORD asking, “What I should do?” Suddenly, I knew without a doubt that had no choice but to wake Jeri. I went into her room. She jumped when I called out her name, but once she heard why I was there within seconds she was up and outside calling her cat. Moley appeared. They went inside and I began crying, thanking the LORD for hearing my prayer and showing me what to do.
Proverbs 21:1-a verse came to mind: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10 NIV) and I knew deep down within that GOD was referring to specific ongoing situations out of my control that have sent me to prayer often and given me much sadness.
As Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of GOD.” That verse in Luke stirred up faith within me and comforted me, assuring me that GOD is actively conspiring to bring the big situations to resolution (Philippians 1:6), in HIS time and way (Acts 17:26) even though I can’t see HIM working right not (Hebrews 11:1, 6).
Isn’t GOD good! HE allowed a small upsetting incident to show me HIS amazing faithfulness in big issues and to give me peace and joy as I trust in HIM to do what HE does.
Hugs
Sharon
How can I know how to love JESUS as I should?
The word love can conjure up many things in our minds. And we love differently, different things. I definitely don’t love my cat like I love my daughters or son.
I have questioned how can I know if I love JESUS as I should? HE died for me and saved me and has given me eternal life and HE still is praying for me. How can I love HIM the way HE deserves? As those questions came into my mind, HE answered them with scripture.
HE that has MY words, and keeps them, he it is that loves ME: and he that loves ME shall be loved of MY FATHER , and I will love him, and will manifest (reveal) MYSELF to him” (John 14:21).
Two things show that I love JESUSàhaving HIS word and keeping it. So then 1st we have to know what HE wants and 2nd we have to do what we know we should do.
Read the Bible to know what GOD wants…“YOUR word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against YOU” Psalm 119:11
Ask GOD what HE wants you to do and say…“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge (ask) HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. Don’t be wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” Proverbs 3:5-7.
GOD says:
That HIS word directing us not hidden from us but that that word is very near to us, in our mouths, and in our heart, so we may do it Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (in other words we will know what we should do).
For it is GOD which works (places) in you both (the desire) to will (know what to do) and to be able to do that which HE wants done. Philippians 2:13.
In other words, seek to know what you should do by reading your Bible and asking HIM and then simply do what you know you should do. When you do that you show JESUS that you love HIM and HE will manifest /reveal to you more about HIMSELF.
Isn’t that wild?
Hugs
Sharon
I can do what I want, can’t I?
Since I believe in JESUS and am saved by calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13), does it really matter what I do?
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT within you, whom you have from GOD? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV).
“when you believed you were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT” (Ephesians 1:13), “…but the Helper, the HOLY SPIRIT will teach you all things” (John 14:26). “…do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD with who are sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).
“Neither give place (an opening) to the devil” (to lead or control you) (Ephesians 4:27).
As a Child of GOD by faith in JESUS (John 1:12), you belong to GOD! Satan has no right to you, or to anything that pertains to you.
Yet you are the Doorkeeper on duty at the entrance to where the HOLY SPIRIT dwells. If you let the HOLY SPIRIT direct you it will keep Satan locked out!
But if you turn from GOD’s ways you open the door to Satan influence over you and he will take an advantage over you (Ephesians 4:26-31).
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit (do what you know is right), and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Hugs
Sharon
Day in and day out we are bombarded by so many voices clamoring to be heard: family, friends, the preacher, politicians, doctors, advertisers, the media and even google as well as our own thoughts. How can we possibly determine who to listen to?
There is but ONE who knows all the details and what will result from each and every action (1 John 3:10). Does it not make sense to listen to HIS voice. A voice described in 1 Kings 19:11-13 as “a still small voice.”
Although it appears that there were few takers, GOD has always provided a way for man to meet with HIM if one seeks HIM with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13). The LORD promises that if we will only acknowledge HIM (talk everything over with HIM) HE will direct us (Proverbs 3:5-7).
Here is how I learned to hear GOD’s voice.
Just before my 15th birthday an anonymous gift enabled me to a teen Christian camp in the mountains of Southern California. There GOD spoke to my heart. At that time, I clearly remember replying to the LORD, “Do whatever is necessary to make me be all YOU want me to be.” Within months it was discovered I was lipreading and had a disease that was stealing away my hearing.
Eight years later, I was married and my 1st son had died and many other things were wrong. A stranger in a gospel trailer at the county fair saw the distress in my face and nudged by the LORD invited me to a small family Christian camp with an evangelist on a mountain in northeastern California. Everything was to be supplied, all I had to do was get there.
In a break from the preaching, we were told to go get alone with GOD. So, I settled down under a tall Ponderosa pine and opened my Bible. The LORD spoke to and commissioned me from the verses as I read.
“The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. HE wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back” (Isaiah 50:4-5).
HE also gave a warning, that I must wait until I knew what I should do and not to rush ahead trying to figure out what to do and thus doing my own thing (Isaiah 50:10-11).
It sure shows that GOD’s ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) for who in their right mind would choose a profoundly hearing impaired person to listen? But true to HIS word and gifting, I have found HE gives me words to sustain the weary and hurting.
When GOD speaks, many of us are like people in a fog, and we give no answer although we hear and know initially without a doubt we should do as that voice says. Instead we listen to the enemy’s accusations that bring doubts to our mind and we don’t know then what we should do.
You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ll say again, many a time when I feel put upon that still small voice says “do it and smile.” As I obey whatever becomes a joy and reasons to thank GOD flood my thoughts and lift my spirit.
GOD called to him….And he said, “Here I am.” EXODUS 3:4
Be ready for the sudden surprise words of GOD to lead and direct you.
Hugs
Sharon
How do we grow in grace?
Doing some research on some Bible words this morning I got another glimpse of one of GOD’s marvelous ways. It so excites me, although it is not new, I just have to share it with you.
A word translated add to in English in 2 Peter 1:5, means something different in the Greek*. It the Greek sentence structure and form means is developed by.
We see that specific concept on how we grow in grace and in the knowledge of GOD our FATHER and our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST in James 1:2-4 where we are told to rejoice when we have all different kinds of problems and temptations because that this testing of our faith produces patience in us and then in turn patience endurance works and develops us into maturity where we are full equipped (to cope) and lack nothing.
In 2 Peter 1:5 giving all diligence to walk by faith will develop virtue in us. Then as we apply virtue, knowledge will be developed (Hebrews 5:14 says using what we learn produces discernment).
2 Peter 1:6 says: applying knowledge will develop self-control, and acting with self-control will develop patience and as we learn to wait (walk in patience) we become godly- (we will include GOD in all our thoughts and actions).
2 Peter 1:7 When GOD is in all our thoughts, brotherlykindness will begin to flow, andwhen brotherly kindness is acted out then charity (GOD’s agapa love) is anatural overflow. Then all the awesome qualities found in 1Corinthians 13 will flow from us as the living water of the HOLY SPIRIT isreleased through us (John 7:38-39).
This process is why we are exhorted in Philippians 3:16 to live out what we have learn thus far. If we do that then Philippians 3:15 says GOD will reveal more to us. I like how Luke puts it,
“Take heed how you hear (do you pay attention and apply it?) for whosoever has (if you really believe something you will act on it) more will be given, but whosoever has not even that which he thinks he has will be taken away from him” (Luke 8:18- see also Mark 4:23-25). Now that is a warning that takes us back to 2 Peter 1:5 when we are instructed to diligently apply (live out) our faith).
Isn’t it exciting to know that by simply by practicing what we have learned that we develop other awesome qualities. GOD’s ways are amazing! What wisdom and knowledge belongs to HIM.
Now, may the LORD guide you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthen you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10) and enable you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Hugs
Sharon
*The word meaning used here is taken from Vincent’s Word Studies of the New Testament.
wakemyear 